by Noah Dawson

The St. John Bosco’s Black Student Union (BSU) cordially invites everyone to their inaugural BSU Cookout event, an occasion to celebrate the diversity and culture of the greater community.

Get ready for a day of fun and food on February 4th, as the cookout event marks a unique opportunity for members from across the Bosco community and beyond to come to participate in games, eat food and connect with students from across the Los Angeles area and celebrating the strength of different cultures.

From 2-4:00 pm, the event is open exclusively to Bosco students and faculty, as the Brave family will be treated to an array of mouthwatering Cajun dishes from local caterers that represent black culture and business in partnership with Black on the Block. There will also be side dishes, such as potato salad, coleslaw and baked beans. The event opens to the public starting at 4:00 pm and ending at 8:00 pm. Food will be still be available to purchase during that timespan for those non-Bosco attendees and latecomers.

Following food, there will be an array of games and activities. This includes a three-legged race and a water balloon toss sponsored by St. Joseph’s High School’s Black Student Association. The night will conclude with a showing of the film Do the Right Thing.

“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with St. Joseph’s to make this happen. This is going to be such an amazing opportunity for all of the black students from different schools to come together, meet each other and form partnerships for years to come,” said BSU faculty moderator Mrs. Michelle Dolphin.

The excitement is palpable, as students, teachers and staff eagerly await the cookout in the school’s Mary Help of Christians Quad.

“I am beyond thrilled that we are hosting our first-ever cookout,” said counselor Alyssa Skipper. “Celebrating different cultures and putting our amazing Black Student Union at the forefront is so important for our school community. This is going to be a fantastic event that brings everyone together.”

This is an incredible opportunity for the Bosco BSU to bring together students from different schools to celebrate our diversity and culture. The Bosco BSU will welcome peers from other schools, such as Harvard-Westlake, Loyola and Marymount to the cookout.

“I can’t wait for the cookout! It’s going to be an amazing time, and the people are going to be great. I’m looking forward to all the delicious food, the games and just hanging out with friends,” said senior Ryan Simien.

At the cookout, the Bosco BSU will be offering pre-orders for limited edition t-shirts and hoodies. These items will only be available for pre-order at the cookout, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of St. John Bosco history.

“The energy behind this student organization is truly exciting,” said Principal Dr. Kris Anderson. “With its purpose to empower, teach, discuss and uplift the experiences of our students, I see a great opportunity for students to advocate for themselves and others. This cookout is going to be a fantastic representation of that energy and support.”

*Editor’s Note: Noah Dawson serves as President of St. John Bosco’s Black Student Union.